I am an Aerospace Engineer working in the Flight Test group for the F35 Joint Strike Fighter military jet. I look at the jet engine data after a flight and make sure the temperatures and pressures inside the engine behaved normal and everything looks good. I then send my approval to the government so they know that the engine is working as expected and that they can safely move on to the next test flight.

Why Engineering?

I have always loved math and science. I had a teacher in high school who was an engineer. He told me one day that I should look into engineering. I realized right away that is was the path for me. Not only do you get to learn math and science, but you get to apply what you learn to make really cool things.

School Days

I have a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah - go Cougars!

Best Part

I love the feeling when I solve a really complicated problem. I also like when people ask what I do and I say “I’m an aerospace engineer.” They are always so shocked! People don’t expect girls to go into engineering – but we can prove that the stereotypes are wrong! :-)

Challenges

I will be honest; getting an engineering degree is a lot of work. There were many times during college that I was at school late when my friends were off doing fun things. At times I thought of switching majors to something that took less time. But I am sooooo glad I stuck with it! Finding a job that I love was really easy and I make a lot more money than most people my age. It has been such a blessing in my life

My Family

I married my best friend, Jake! He is also an engineer! We met in the Mechanical Engineering program at BYU. During all the long hours of studying for class we became best friends and we were married our senior year of college. We both worked for the same aerospace company until he decided he wanted to get a master’s degree in business. So we moved across the country so he could go to school. I was able to keep my job and telecommute from home. About a year after moving we had our baby girl, Scarlett. She is so much fun and we love her so much!

Dreams and Goals

Once my husband finishes school and gets a job I am going to quit my job and be a stay at home mom. I know it will be a huge sacrifice (cause I really do love my job), but I want to raise and teach my children. I want to be there for them like my mom was for me. The great thing with engineering is that once my children are in school I will be able to find a part-time job. Also, there is great peace in knowing that if something were to happen I could get a job and support my family. Maybe in 10 years I’ll go back to school and get a master’s degree in engineering, but I haven’t decided yet.

Inspiration

My wonderful parents, my amazing husband, my awesome family, and God.

Want to be an Engineer?

Get involved! Find a club/team/group/project/mentor. Find someone who is doing something with engineering and get involved. When I was in high school I rebuilt a ’66 mustang with my dad, I raced go-karts, I made a bridge out of toothpicks, I built a fighter robot, and I was in many clubs. It helps to get some hands-on experience to see what engineering is all about. If your school doesn’t have clubs, start one! Talk with your science teacher and see if they have any ideas. Ask local engineers to come to your class and tell about their jobs.

Additional Thoughts

I love the feeling when I solve a really complicated problem. I also like when people ask what I do and I say “I’m an aerospace engineer.” They are always so shocked! People don’t expect girls to go into engineering – but we can prove that the stereotypes are wrong!

Hobbies

I love spending time with my family. I love doing crafts and scrapbooking. I really enjoy coloring and changing my hair. I love painting my nails cool designs. I spend a lot of time providing service to others through my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: mormon.org).

Biography

I'm currently a full-time stay at home mom which I LOVE. I really enjoyed my time in the engineering world and I look forward to stepping back in the workforce when our children are older.
***ENGINEERING BACKGROUND***
Systems Analysis & Validation Engineer, Pratt & Whitney, East Hartford, CT, July 2008-June 2012.
2009 Dodge Ram Vehicle Development Engineering Intern, DaimlerChrysler, Detroit, MI, May 2007-Aug 2007.
Designer and Driver for Formula SAE (FSAE) Racing Design Competition, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, Aug 2004-June 2008.
***PERSONAL INFORMATION***
2008: Married my best friend! (who I met in our ME classes!)
2011: Had a baby girl!
2013: Had identical twin girls!!

Hey (:, I was just curious on if & how did you get your foot in the door as far being an aerospace engineering, meaning did you do everything on your own, network, internships? Because right now im trying to pursue working for NASA since not a lot of women are known to be working in this field. Im a junior now, & I just turned 17 but I just want to get any leadway I possibly can right now. Thank You So Much.

I am studying to be a software engineer but I would like to get a job in the aviation industry either in control tower/ aircraft. What positions are available for software engineers? What other skills or things I should learn?

In the jet engine industry you could become a FADEC designer (full authority digital engine control). The FADEC is the brain of the engine and it has to be redundant and perfect to keep people safe in the air.
With new autonomous aircraft, the ...